US-born freeskier Eileen wins Olympic big air gold for China  

Beijing: Winter Olympics 2022 has already been jam-packed with excitement as US-born Eileen Gu won the first-ever Olympic gold in freeski big air on Tuesday.   

Born in San Francisco to a Chinese mother and American father—raised by her mother and maternal grandmother, Gu opted to compete for China at these Games. 

With the win, Gu ties China's gold medal haul from the Pyeongchang Olympics— and that's with two events left to compete in freeski slopestyle and halfpipe.  

By landing two of the biggest tricks in women's freeskiing, Eileen Gu captured the win in the sport's Olympic debut in Beijing. 

Ailing Eileen Gu wins #Gold in the Women’s #FreestyleSkiing Big Air Final!

What an incredible last jump to win it all!#Beijing2022

— Olympics (@Olympics) February 8, 2022

In figure skating, the US team lost one of its biggest stars Monday morning when Vincent Zhou withdrew from competition after testing positive for COVID-19. 

Eileen, going first, pulled off a massive 1620 with a perfect landing to move herself just barely into first place with a combined score of 188.25. 

Intrestingly, only two women in the world, Gu and Tess Ledeux of France, have ever landed 1620 spins in a freeskiing contest and both did so Tuesday to go 1-2 in big air finals.  

"I'm not crying," Gu said into the television camera. "I'm definitely not crying." Gu's third-run score saw her jump into first place above Ledeux, who had landed the double cork 1620 on her first run. 

"It is just a dream come true. The level of competition was so strong and I am just so proud to be part of the podium," said Ledeux. "I am a bit disappointed, but I am so happy to grab the second place today."

"I just want to say thanks to my family, friends, everybody," silver medallist added. 

The bronze medal went to Gremaud with a score of 182.50.